PakMag Townsville - March 2014

pakmag MAR 2014

To w n s v i l l e

EzEine FMRaga

ISSUE 40

magazine of choice for local families

Kids

the spark Motivated learning

Tech

Talk

News & Reviews

Green

living

SAVING your wallet and the Planet

MINI MAG Inside

Event

Guide Complete Guide of March Events

Fun for Tots

Cover photo courtesy of Cheeky Monkey Photography

Local activity guide for our Under 5's

win Two night stay in beautiful Mission Beach

Details page 42

03

welcome

Photo thanks to Ron Darlington

Thank you to everyone who came along to hear our guest speakers at the PakPanel at the Stockland Townsville Monday Funday event last month. For those of you who’ve been asking about our next events, look out for our huge Easter Egg Hunt coming up on 5 April.

It promises to be an eggscellent event!

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Contents

note

Hello everyone and welcome to our March edition. As the mother of gorgeous twin girls I will be celebrating Multiple Birth Awareness Week this month so if you think you’re seeing double this month you’ll know why!

Having young twins (as well as two other children) can be crazy at times but they are also an absolute joy! For other parents out there with multiples there will be a number of events being held so check out the what’s on guide as well as the story on page 41.

42

MAR

parents 02 What’s New 04 Show & Tell 08 Light the Spark 11

Tech Talk

13

Catholic Education

15

PakHealth

16 Nutrition 19

PakFood

21 What’s On

kids 23 Kid’s MiniMag

babies 31 Baby News: Keeping the Cord

things to win

Until next time, remember to tell everyone you read it in PakMag.

23 Mini Mag

06 WIN an Aunty Rozzy Prize Pack

Nat

31 PakBaby

24 WIN a That!™ Product Pack

35 Fun for Tots

42 WIN a 2 Night Mission Beach Stay

pakmag

37

TRAVEL: Thailand

38 HOME: Green Living 40 Fav Pets / Prize Winners

Publisher: Bree James Editor: Elaine Seager Publication & Sales Manager: Natalie Griffiths NQ Sales & Biz Development: Angelina Mortley Design & Layout: Trina Jensen Articles: Elaine Seager, Jutta Dempsey, Amanda Cranston and submitted writers Phone: 4053 3331 Fax: 4053 3350 Sales Phone: 0407 831 962

cover

41 Double the Luck 42 TRAVEL: Island Views 44 Biz Directory 45 Parenting: It starts with you

ModelS: Jakob, Acaciah and Cindy Collinson Photography: Thanks to Cheeky Monkey Photography

46 Out & About 48 Mummy Laughs with HotFM

Email: info@pakmag.com.au Postal: PO Box 761, Hyde Park QLD 4812

Disclaimer: No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

Find us exclusively in your local: www.pakmag.com.au

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March what’s new

inBRIEF Biggest Playgroup

SUPER Me! Mummy Funday 10 March (10am-1pm) Stockland Townsville

Join lots of other local mums for Townsville’s biggest playgroup this month at Stockland Townsville on 10 March. There will be special offers from the retailers, a morning tea special and lots of fun for the kids.

24-28 March

WIN

EARTH Hour BRING your Baby

National Playgroup Week

National Playgroup Week is back this month with playgroups across the State being

25 March (3.30pm)

encouraged to participate through interactive competitions and fun events. Playgroup

Directions Learning & Behaviour Guidance

Queensland is encouraging all Playgroups across Queensland to participate in a creative Cardboard Challenge so unleash your inner child and build something awesome from

29 March (8.30pm)

cardboard boxes for a chance to win a prize pack valued at $1500. To register your Playgroup, visit www.playgroupqld.com.au and complete the online form.

Seeing Double

Event Cinemas Bring Your Baby sessions this month are: • Winter’s Tale Week commencing 6 March

School life, bullying, sibling rivalry and other everyday challenges can often get in the

• Non-Stop

This year’s global lights out event, Earth Hour, will be held on Saturday 29 March and is being supported by a Super Hero with the stars of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 throwing their weight behind it. Earth Hour has grown to involve hundreds of millions of people from all walks of life across 7000 cities and towns and 154 countries and territories.

way of children developing a healthy level of self esteem so it is important during this

Week commencing 13 March

Earth Hour and its Super Hero ambassador SpiderMan remind us that “with great power comes great responsibility,” so get involved, switch your lights off and use your power. Got to earthhour.org for more info.

accomplishment. They will also be helping parents of the participants to develop additional

Session times are Fridays (10.30am), Mondays

parenting skills to help foster a healthy self-esteem in their children. To register your interest

(10.30am) and Wednesdays (12.30pm). All children

in enrolling your child in the ‘Super Me’ course please contact Directions on 4721 5859.

under school age are welcome and free of charge.

developmental stage to foster positive self-esteem to ensure that children grow into capable, independent and self-respecting teenagers and adults.

• Vampire Academy Week commencing 20 March

To help your 6-12 year old develop a winning attitude, Directions Learning & Behaviour Guidance are running a ten-week self-esteem group course entitled ‘Super Me’. Participants will learn how to make good choices, take positive action and experience a sense of self-

• The Monument Men Week commencing 27 March

Defence Info Expo 9-16 March Multiple Birth Awareness Week is on this month and is an annual national celebration of all things double or triple. The local association will be hosting a number of events for both members and non-members, who are expecting or already have multiples. Check out our what’s on guide for more details. They include playgroups as well as an adult’s dinner at Crown on Palmer on 15 March (7.30pm). Email membership@townsvillemultiples.com.au for more information.

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22 March (10am-1pm)

Dr Kurinji Kannan Urogynaecologist, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

Townsville RSL STadium

Every year Townsville welcomes a large number of new Defence members and their families to the region and to help them settle in this annual event is held to showcase a range of organisations and services in the community. For more information email dco. townsville@defence.gov.au

Uro-Gynaecology & Women’s Health Clinic Urogynaecology

Prolapse Surgery

Urinary Incontinence

Laparoscopy

General Gynaecology

Obstetrics

Suite 1.02, Park Haven Medical Centre, 7 Bayswater Rd, Hyde Park PHONE: 4771 6677 www.urogynaeclinic.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

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Show &Tell

THE LATEST Meat-Free Week 24-30 March

The latest news, products and tips in the world of families and kids Get to Know

Did You Know?

• Our consumption of meat has increased 500 per cent in the last 50 years • Australian dietary guidelines recommend no more than 65g per day but we currently eat an average of 158g • More than half of the antibiotics produced in the world are given to farmed animals, which is contributing to the rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria There are lots of reasons to minimise the amount of meat your family eats, including the fact that it will help you save a few dollars, so why not start by

After 15 years in retail management Fiona Larter put her skills to good use by starting her online business Knick Knack Patty Whack. It’s a role she combines with being mum to Keeley (5) and Nikayla (21 months).

[1] What inspired you to start Knick

coming up to me at the markets or on

Knack Patty Whack? I actually started

Facebook, telling me they love my clothes

with a set of butterfly wall stickers I had in

or letting me know how happy they are

my drawer that I didn’t use. I posted them

with their purchase. Or people telling me

on Townsville Buy Swap Sell and so many

they missed me at the markets if I didn’t

people wanted them I thought, there’s

make it one week - that is a BUZZ!!

something in this! So I started with wall stickers and then it grew from there. I kind of accidentally got into clothing but it’s my passion and exactly where I want to be.

[2] What have you learnt since starting an online business? That to reap any reward with Facebook you have to be on it constantly to keep your name alive [3] What have been the biggest

off the ground in the first 12 months, but

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the greatest reward is definitely people

and try out some new recipes. And if Dad objects on the grounds he needs meat for strength, just remind him silverback gorillas are vegetarian!

LITTLE Campers

[4] What did you want to be when you grew up? A hairdresser or a psychologist! I landed in retail so while they’re all different I guess they’re all to do with listening and making people happy :) [5] Finish this sentence: ‘I am a great mum because…’ I adore my children and try to teach them love and respect so they will grow into beautifully natured girls.

Little Campers by FieldCandy is the beautiful new tent range designed specifically for children.

challenges & greatest rewards? The biggest challenge is getting your business

introducing ‘meat-free Mondays’ in your household

For more info about Knick Knack Patty Whack, go to Fiona’s Facebook page

Available in six different designs, they are modeled on traditional teepees with a contemporary twist.

Available at www.fieldcandy.com for $350. www.pakmag.com.au

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Show &Tell

Virgin Coconut Oil

Got something to share or shout about?

Email us at elaine@pakmag.com.au

Fussy Eaters

GIFT Idea

Many people are switching to virgin coconut oil since it is considered to be a healthy fat with healing properties.

NQ owned business Jimalie Coconut Products source their coconut oil from the Philippines where their family coconut farm is located. Their Fair Trade Virgin Coconut Oil and Coconut Sugar products are all 100% natural and organic. They are currently looking for distributors in Townsville. For more info call 4041 0963 or go to www.jimalie.com.au

NEW Craze Make the alphabet edible!

Developed by musician and author Ros Tesoriero (aka Aunty Rozzy), the Aunty Rozzy range of ‘edutainment’ resources aim to encourage children aged 2-6 years to eat healthy food. With clever rhymes and fun characters, the books, CD’s and DVD’s teach kids about seasonal produce. Great for fussy eaters! For more information go to www.auntyrozzy.com

Rainbow Loom Rainbow Loom is the latest craze sweeping the tween world that is now available in Australia through Shamrock Craft. Rainbow Loom is a kit for making stretchy and super

WIN

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For your chance to win two Aunty

fun rubber band jewellery. It’s perfect for

Rozzy books and a DVD, go to our website

kids aged 8+. Available at Spotlight and

and tell us the name of one of her characters?

independent toy and craft stores.

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By Jutta Dempsey Many parents put a lot of thought into carefully

Sometimes a child will do or persist at an activity

choosing the ‘right’ school to ensure their child

for ‘extrinsic’ motivation to please someone else

is happy in their schooling environment and

or to obtain something for doing it, such as a

their success is maximised.

smile or lolly. However, if a child is extrinsically

While schools and teachers are tremendously important in the success of a child’s learning, it is the parent that guides them through the early

motivated they will always need to be given the external reward continually in order to remain motivated.

and formative years of learning. It is the parents

Parents play an influential role in encouraging

that ‘light the spark’ to ensure a good start in

their children to be creative, adventurous and

school and it is the parents who can also keep

curious learners. The key behaviours that are

a watchful eye on their child’s behaviour if they

important in intrinsic motivation are persistence,

show signs of difficulty with learning.

challenge, independence and regulated

Some children learn eagerly and work hard at

emotion.

gaining that “A” in school, while others prefer to

Persistence – Children learn persistence

avoid schoolwork or be the class clown.

when they are successful at a task so the

If your child is unmotivated to learn in school it is important to discover why this is so and find

challenge for parents is to offer tasks that will stretch their child but not be too overwhelming.

a remedy as quickly as possible. Some possible

Challenging – Completing challenging tasks

causes are hidden learning disorders, anxiety or

gives children a high level of satisfaction and a

self-esteem issues or mood control difficulties.

thirst to learn more. Your child is more likely to

A motivated child is likely to: • Choose tasks that are challenging • Begin tasks without having to be prodded • Show serious effort and concentration

want to learn if they use the learning style that is most natural to them, so work out whether they are auditory, visual or kinaesthetic learners and then provide challenges appropriately to ensure their success.

• Have a positive attitude toward learning

Independence – If a child needs adult

and schoolwork

approval or constant attention or help, they

• Use coping strategies to get through the rough times • Stick with tasks until successful A child who is not motivated is likely to:

won’t develop into independent learners.

Parents can help their children become independent by providing them with the tools to create and invent by themselves and giving them tasks suited to their temperament and learning style.

• Choose work that is inappropriately easy • Need lots of prodding to get started • Put in minimal effort

the spark

appropriate for their ability level, it increases

• Show a negative or apathetic attitude

their motivation. If your child is sullen, whiny or

about learning and schoolwork

irritable, it is a good indicator that the activity

• Give up quickly when the going gets tough

is not targeted at their interest or ability level.

• Leave many tasks unfinished

We all want our kids to do well at

Research has plainly shown that motivated

school and although schools and

because they feel they have to be the best but

teachers are tremendously important,

Positive Emotions – When children are happy and engaged in an activity that is

children do better in school, not necessarily because they are trying their best.

Reducing a child’s fear of failure is vital as fear of failure leads to anxious, pessimistic and avoidant learners.

Motivated students can take credit for their own achievements but they also owe a debt to the people who started them on the right path

Children who are intrinsically motivated to

– their parents. As a parent you have a large

parents are the most influential in

learn will persist at a task until they are able to

role to play in whether or not your child will be

master it. They do things because they want

motivated to do their best in school.

motivating their children to learn.

to do it and they achieve a level of satisfaction and self-esteem through doing the task to their satisfaction. Since intrinsically motivated

Jutta Dempsey is the principal psychologist

children reward themselves by doing the

at Directions Learning & Behaviour

activity, they retain the learning better and

Guidance. For more info call 4755 2730 or

are more involved in it – they are pleasing

go to www.directionspsych.com.au

themselves.

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in

TECH Talk NEW App

Think Before You Click

A recent Telstra Cyber Safety survey of our first generation of adult digital natives has discovered that most of them have regrets about things they’ve posted online and that they didn’t realise what the long-term implications would be.

Almost all of those surveyed felt that it was vital to educate children and teenagers about social media and its pitfalls. Many also wished their parents had taught them to think about the content of what they’re posting and consider the consequences before posting it. Other research has shown that teenagers prefer to learn about this from parents and teachers rather than their friends.

Tablets on the Booklist

Pet Heaven NQ Townsville’s Pet Crematorium & Cemetery • Your choice of cremation or burial services • Collection from your home or Vet • Range of ashes boxes and memorial items • Professional and personalised service

Recently launched by Australian business Bizzibrains, I Imagine is a unique book app for kids aged 3-8 years. They can engage with the story by putting themselves into it by typing their name, taking a photo and choosing hair and clothing. It has lots of fun interactions and it has educational features too. For more about I Imagine go to www.bizzibrains.com

The PEBBLE™ Smartstick portable battery charger is very handy for those

Call our friendly staff 4751 3220 or email info@petheaven.com.au www.petheaven.com.au

moments when you’re out and about and your tablet has a flat battery.

It charges your portable device on the move without the need for mains power and

Compassionate & kind

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Affordable options

www.pakmag.com.au

Local family owned & operated

slots easily into your bag. It charges most popular devices.

It’s not just pencils and exercise books in the school bag this year – a growing number of schools are introducing ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) into the classroom.

And, while tablets and laptops may have positive uses in the classroom, parents need to understand the potential risks too. Recent research by Softlink^ revealed that 30 per cent of all Australian schools encourage students to bring their own devices, while 14 per cent of Australian schools encourage the use of personal mobile devices in and outside the classroom. However, most don’t have a formal BYOD policy in place so parents are expected to ensure that children look after them and understand how they should be used. www.pakmag.com.au

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By Catholic Education

Secondary Move Catholic Schools are ready! Enrolments are now invited.

In 2015, Year 7 will become part of the secondary setting in all school sectors throughout Queensland. The move will be a significant change for both Catholic primary and secondary schools and much work is taking place at schools to prepare for this introduction of another year level into secondary colleges.

Southern Cross Catholic College – Gartrell Drive, Annandale Phone: 4778 3444 Email: enrolments@sctsv.catholic.edu.au

If your child is currently in Year 6 or 7, they will be due to start Years 7 or 8 as part of secondary in 2015. Enrolments for both Year 7 and 8 are now being taken. Children who are currently in Year 6 or 7 in a Prep-12 college will follow regular continuing enrolment processes. Secondary colleges in the Townsville Diocese:

St Patrick’s College* – The Strand, North Ward Phone: 4753 0300 Email: principal@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au

Ryan Catholic College – Canterbury Rd, Kirwan Phone: 4773 0100 Email: office@ryan.catholic.edu.au St Anthony’s Catholic College – Joanne St, Deeragun Phone: 4751 7300 Email: office@sacc.catholic.edu.au

Ignatius Park College* – Ross River Rd, Cranbrook Phone: 4796 0222 Email: info@ipc.qld.edu.au Southern Region:

Townsville:

Burdekin Catholic High School – Gibson St, Ayr Phone: 4783 2366 Phone: bchs@tsv.catholic.edu.au

St Margaret Mary’s College – Crowle St, Hyde Park Phone: 4726 4900 Email: smmc@smmc.catholic.edu.au

St Catherine’s Catholic College – Renwick Rd, Proserpine Phone: 4945 1081 Email: prspne@tsv.catholic.edu.au

Western Region: Columba Catholic College – Hackett Tce, Charters Towers Phone: 4787 1744 Email: office@columba.catholic.edu.au Good Shepherd Catholic College – Mary St, Mount Isa Phone: 4743 2509 Email: enquiries@goodshepherd.catholic.edu.au Northern Region: Gilroy Santa Maria College – Chamberlain St, Ingham Phone: 4776 2888 Email: admin@gilroysm.catholic.edu.au St Teresa’s College – Abergowrie Rd, Abergowrie Phone: 4780 8300 Email: admin@abergowrie.catholic.edu.au Visit the Townsville Catholic Education Youtube channel to view the Year 7 to Secondary video that explains the work that is taking place behind the scenes in our schools to prepare for this move: www.youtube.com/townsvilleceo (*Enrolment procedures may differ at these colleges – please contact the College directly)

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Health pak

FLU Shots

news

Epilepsy Purple Day – 26 March An epilepsy awareness campaign will be running later this month to raise awareness of the world’s most common brain function disorder and raise funds for research.

Epilepsy comprises a diverse range of disorders with many types of seizures and no single cause. It can be caused by structural abnormalities in the developing brain, infections such as meningitis, a lack of oxygen to the brain during birth. For young children, genetics also play a part since it appears that some people are more prone to developing epilepsy than others.

There is currently no cure but 70 per cent of those with epilepsy will be able to control their seizures

Between 10-40 per cent of young children are infected with influenza each year, with almost 1500 needing to be hospitalised.

with medication and live a normal life. For the others it can be severely debilitating.

Biological Clock With the average age of people starting a family

And with widespread reports of influenza in

contracting influenza. The vaccine contains

increasing over the last few decades there has

the northern hemisphere winter this year,

dead influenza virus that can’t give you the

been a lot of attention on how a mother’s age

parents may want to consider vaccinations

illness. In rare cases, a person’s immune

can affect the health of the baby. But researchers

in March or April before any outbreaks

system reacts and they may feel a little

are now beginning to see links between a father’s

occur.

off-colour and get minor symptoms during

age and an increased risk of the child developing

the 24 hours after the vaccine but this is not

certain neurological conditions such as autism and

influenza.

schizophrenia.

Children can become very unwell with influenza. They have the highest rates of admission to intensive care units due to

For more information about

having babies earlier since there are many other

spreaders of influenza within households.

influenza and the influenza vaccine

factors that are a greater risk than age. Improving

go to: www.flusmart.org.au or the

diet, getting more exercise and cutting down on

Influenza Specialist Group’s Facebook

cigarettes and alcohol improve the chances of

Page https://www.facebook.com/

conceiving and having a healthy child for both

InfluenzaSpecialistGroup?ref=hl

parents.

The 2014 flu vaccine is different to last year, as is often the case, because influenza viruses change. It is a myth that having the vaccination can result in a person

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This doesn’t mean that couples need to start

the infection and they are also the main

www.pakmag.com.au

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Nutrition pak

Review Food

Breakfast Bag Food

review

KING of Meals

by Haley Cremer

Breakfast Crowned Most Important Meal I’m sure you have heard the age-old saying

fruit and dairy. For those kids that aren’t the

If your school mornings are hectic Monster Health

‘breakfast is the most important meal of the

biggest fans of breakfast cereals, there are

Food Co. have got the solution for you with their

day’, but how true is this? VERY! This crucial

lots of other options like:

recently released ‘Breakfast in a Bag’ product. You

morning meal packs a punch in regards to childhood nutrition. Aussie kids eating breakfast consume more vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre, and less cholesterol and fat, than those going without.

In the last survey of Aussie kids it turns out that one in four are leaving home without eating breakfast but sending an unfed child to school is like not feeding a shark for a

• Fruit smoothie • Home-made wholegrain muffin • Leftovers (i.e. pasta, meat & veggies) – mix

They could also be used as a quick and easy, post school, pre-sport pep up.

The berry, sports, tropical and high fibre options

fancy frittata

are all good with good levels of energy, fat and

• Toad in a hole (use egg ring to cut hole in multigrain toast, crack egg in and cook) Parents also need to remember to be a good

of little fish around!

role model and take the time to sit down

child a good start to the day typically

from the bag so it’s perfect for the trip to school!

with an egg and bake in muffin tin for a

month and expecting it to behave with lots

Healthy breaky options that will give your

can add milk or yoghurt or just eat it plain, straight

and enjoy your breakfast too. Those watchful eyes are taking in everything your do!

fibre (4-7g) and they provide more than 5g protein per 60g serve (without milk/yoghurt).

Haley is an Accredited Practising Dietitian at Health Management. You can connect with Health Management and ask questions on Facebook.

include fibre, nutrient rich whole grains,

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kfast, lunch and loves fruit and would eat it for brea READER QUESTION: My little one day? I’ve heard have too much fruit throughout the dinner if he could! Is it possible to it has sugar in it? Is this true? some people say it’s bad because in this tropical amount of fruit we consume, especially It’s easy to get carried away with the fruit and two of n datio men with the national recom climate. You are most likely familiar serves two only , tose) (fruc r suga contains natural five vegetable serves per day. As fruit food r othe the all from g eatin little fruit bat is are recommended. In your case, if your them go is in a healthy weight range, then let and ach stom t upse an groups, doesn’t get an make can you t, doub in If ps. of other food grou for it! If not, try to encourage intake appointment with a dietitian.

Q&A

nutritionadvice

www.pakmag.com.au

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Easter pakmag

Extravaganza FrEE EvEnt

pakfood

with TROY WILLIAMS

THE GOOD GUYS

pakmag GUEST Favourite Eggplant parmigiana

By Hannah Robertson Ingredients 2 large eggplants pakmag 3/4 cup plain flour 3 eggs lightly beaten 2 cups fine breadcrumbs 4 cups tomato passata 1 cup grated parmesan 200g mascarpone 4 anchovy fillets diced for flavour Approx 10-12 square slices of cheese of choice 3/4 cup of chopped oregano and basil leaves

GUEST recipe

hop along to our pakmag easter extravaganza at Soroptimist park and join in our easter egg hunt • easter Bonnet parade • annual easter egg Hunt • Visit from the easter Bunny • Great prizeS for the best dressed easter theme

Hannah'sFav "It is meat free week 24 to 30 March and this is the favourite vegetarian meal in our house.

Try it it's delicious!"

METHOD Cut eggplant lengthways into 1/2cm slices, dust with flour, dip in egg then breadcrumbs. Begin frying in batches with a little olive oil until golden. Drain on paper towel. Combine the mascarpone, anchovies and half the parmesan. In a lasagna dish layer 1/3 pasata and sprinkle with 1/2 of the parmesan, then a layer of eggplant and top with a few dolloops of the mascapone mixture, a layer of sliced cheese and a sprinkle of herbs. Repeat these layers finishing with a layer of cheese sprinkled with herbs. Cover with foil. When ready bake with foil 25 mins, remove foil and bake for another 15 mins. YUM!!

• parent & kids lucky door prize

Saturday 5 april 9.30am Meet at SoroptimiSt park, roweS Bay at 9.30am Sharp (Next to Rowes Bay Caravan Park)

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For more information call 4053 3331 or visit www.pakmag.com.au

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green = kids

MAR

blue = adults

Check out the latest family entertainment & events guide

guide

pink = family

yourGUIDE

March 2014 entertainment & events DATE

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VENUE

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

FOR MORE INFO

COST

1/3/14

Townsville Civic Theatre

50th Anniversary Celebration Roy Orbison and Del Shannon

8.00pm

4727 9797

Cost

1/3/14

Burdekin Memorial Hall

Clash in the Canefields - Boxing Tourament

5.00pm

0449 793 295

Cost

1/3/14

Brothers Leagues Club

Free Family Fun Day

10.00am

www.brotherstsv.com.au

Free

1/3/14

Brothers Leagues Club

Sit Down Comedy Club Dinner and Show

7.00pm

www.brotherstsv.com.au

$35 Cost

1/3/14

Shake Wiggle Giggle

Funstars (special needs) with Anne

4.00pm

0412 570 868

1/3/14

School of Arts Theatre

Flickerfest 2014

7.30pm

www.soatheatretownsville.com.au Cost

2/3/14

Brothers Leagues Club

Clean Up Australia Day with Brothers

9.00am

4773 8000

2/3/14

School of Arts Theatre

Tim O'Brien

6.00pm

www.soatheatretownsville.com.au $25

3/3/14

Latin Vibrations Showcase

Brazillian Samba (8 week course)

6.45pm

0422 198 369

Free Cost

3/3/14

Next to Holy Spirit Church

Majellan Playgroup

8.30am

0404 546 581

Cost

4/3/14

The Catherdral School

School Tour

10.00am

www.catherdral.qld.edu.au

Free

4/3/14

Pinnacles Gallery

Art Activities for Under 5's

10.00am

4773 8871

Cost

4/3/14

Townsville Civic Theatre

1984 - Big Brother is Back

7.30pm

4727 9797

Cost

4/3/14

Flinders St Library

Storytime

10.00am

4727 9667

Free

4/3/14

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Playgroup

9.30am

4783 4243

$4

4/3/14

Shake Wiggle Giggle

Zumba Fitness

6.00pm

wwww.shakewigglegiggle.com

Cost

5/3/14

Thuringowa Central

Storytime

10.00am

4727 9667

Free

5/3/14

Woolworths Carpark Ayr

Burdekin Heart Foundation Walking Group

5.15pm

4783 4243

Free

5/3/14

IMPS Building Kirwan

Australian Breastfeeding Association Meetup

9.15am

0409 062 087

Free

6/3/14

The Church of the Ascension Heatley Multicultural Playgroup

9.30am

0403 665 672

Free

6/3/14

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Life Skills Courses - Heart Smarts

11.00am

centracarenq@centrecarenq.org.au

Cost

6/3/14

Shake Wiggle Giggle

Hot Hula Fitness

9.15am

www.shakewigglegiggle.com Cost

7/3/14

Events Cinemas

Bring Your Baby: Winter Tales

10.30am

www.birch.com.au

7/3/14

Hyde Park Centre

Playgroup at Entropy

9.30am

playtime@townsvillemultiples.com.au

Cost

7/3/14

Aitkenvale Library

Multicutural Storytime

10.00am

4727 9667

Free

7/3/14

Woolworths Carpark Ayr

Burdekin Heart Foundation Walking Group

5.15pm

4783 4243

Free

Cost

www.pakmag.com.au

21

pink = family

green = kids

Kids MINI MAG

blue = adults

March 2014

DATE 7/3/14

VENUE The Venue

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME Kissteria - Band

7/3/14

Townsville Civic Theatre

North Queensland Arts Awards

8/3/14

Riverway Arts Centre

Ocean Film Festival Australia

FOR MORE INFO

COST

www.thevenuetownsville.com.au

Cost

1300 878 001

Cost

7.00pm

4727 9797

Cost

8/3/14

Burdekin Library

Tech Talks - How to protect your data and computer

10.30am

4783 9970

Free

8/3/14

1300 Smiles Stadium

Cowboys vs. Raiders

8.00pm

4722 7777

Cost

4.00pm

8/3/14

Shake Wiggle Giggle

Funstars (special needs) with Anne

0412 570 868

Cost

8/3/14

Events Cinemas

Kids Club: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

www.events.com.au

$6

9/3/14

Events Cinemas

Kids Club: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

www.events.com.au

$6

9/3/14

Warrina Club House

North Star Little Athletes Sign On Day

www.athleticsnorthqld.org.au

Cost

9/3/14

C2 Townsville Civic Theatre

Camerata Singers in Concert

2.00pm

4727 9797

Cost

10/3/14

Events Cinemas

Bring Your Baby: Winter Tales

10.30am

www.events.com.au

Cost

10/3/14

Stockland Townsville

Mummy Funday

10.00am

4053 3331

Free

10/3/14

Next to Holy Spirit Church

Majellan Playgroup

8.30am

0404 546 581

$1

11/3/14

Ronald McDonald House

Multiple Birth Awareness Week

9.30am

membership@townsvillemultiples.com.au

Cost

11/3/14

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Playgroup

9.30am

4783 4243

$4

12/3/14

Events Cinemas

Bring Your Baby: Winter Tales

12.30pm

www.events.com.au

Cost

12/3/14

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Marvellous Manners Confidence Course Prep-Year 3

3.30 pm

trisha.telford@iinet.net.au

Cost

13/3/14

Events Cinemas

Bring Your Baby: Non-Stop

www.events.com.au

Cost Free

13/3/14

The Church of the Ascension Heatley Multicultural Playgroup

9.30am

0403 665 672

13/3/14

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Life Skills Courses - Heart Smarts

11.00am

centracarenq@centrecarenq.org.au

Cost

13/3/14

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Marvellous Manners Confidence Course Prep-Year 3

3.30 pm

trisha.telford@iinet.net.au

Cost

13/3/14

Ready Steady Go

Multiple Birth Awareness Week - Sports Session

10.00am

membership@townsvillemultiples.com.au

Cost

13/3/14

Juliets on Gregory Street

Australian Breastfeeding Association - Coffee & Chat Night

6.30pm

0409 062 087

Cost

www.shakewigglegiggle.com Cost

13/3/14

Shake Wiggle Giggle

Hot Hula Fitness

9.15am

14/3/14

Events Cinemas

Bring Your Baby: Non-Stop

10.30am

14/3/14

Woolworths Carpark Ayr

Burdekin Heart Foundation Walking Group

5.15pm

4783 4243

Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

The Line of Fire

10.00am

4727 9011

Free

TECC

Townsville Crocodiles vs. Wollongong Hawks

7.30pm

www.crocodiles.com.au

Cost

14/3/14

Brothers Leagues Club

Elton John Tribute Band

8.00pm

www.brotherstsv.com.au

$30

• FREE Jumping Castles • Laser Tag (from $8) • Kids Parties available • BYO healthy food • Café with coffee, cake & hot snack foods • Fun for all ages For more inFo call 4728 3913 or visit www.i4Fun.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

i4fUN

Visit www.thatdairysnack.com.au and facebook.com/ThatSnack

Free

14/3/14

Heaps of arcade Games priced at $1 per Game

Slurp Island

Cost

14/3/14

Want Fun For $1?

22

TIME 7.00pm

MARCH FUN Activities Colour in and you could WIN a That!™ Product pack!

FUN

Try out our fun fruit skewers recipe!

WI N! Colour in and you could WIN one of 10 That!™ Product Packs

ter go to page 28 23 To en www.pakmag.com.au

colour IN & Win!

Fruit Skewers with That! Dairy Snack Dip

Colour in & you could WIN one of 10 That!™ Product Packs – that’s 18 pouches of That!™ Milkshake & That!™ Dairy Snack $32 RRP

Ingredients:

Method:

• 4 Grapes

[1] Use the cookie cutters to cut shapes out of

• 4 slices of Watermelon (2cm thick)

• 4 slices of Banana (2cm thick)

[2] Place one grape on a skewer, then one

• 1 Chocolate/Banana/Strawberry That! Dairy Snack

You will also need: • 4 wooden skewers or lolly pop sticks

That!™ is fun-packed goodness in a handy pouch that needs no refrigeration. Made from the goodness of Aussie milk, That!™ is low in fat and high in calcium.

Available in 3 great flavours – Chocolate, Strawberry and Banana. That!™ Dairy Snack is available at Coles and Woolworths in the dessert aisle alongside the jellies and puddings. That!™ Milkshake is available exclusively at Woolworths in the chiller with the flavoured milk. Visit www.thatdairysnack.com.au

To enter colour-it-in & mail to:

Name:

PAKMAG, Colour-it-in March 2014

Parent/Guardian:

PO Box 761, Hyde Park QLD 4812 & you could WIN one of 10 That!™ Product Packs $32 RRP (Comp Closes 18/03/14)

24

www.pakmag.com.au

Address: Phone:

Email:

the watermelon slices.

watermelon shape and then one slice of

banana. Do the same with the other 3 skewers.

[3] Squeeze That! Dairy Snack into a small bowl.

[4] To eat, dip the fruit skewers into That! Dairy Snack and enjoy!

• Cookie cutters e.g. star, heart, flower etc

Tip: You can choose any flavour of That! Dairy Snack you like and any of your favourite fruit too e.g. strawberries, rockmelon, pineapple, blueberries etc.

Age:

Visit www.thatdairysnack.com.au and facebook.com/ThatSnack

www.pakmag.com.au

25

Q. If a crocodile makes shoes, what does a banana make?

A. A pork chop!

A. Slippers!

Q. How do you make a strawberry shake?

Q. What kind of keys do kids like to carry?

A. Put in the freezer

A. Cookies!

www.pakmag.com.au

pink = family

green = kids

Submit your best joke and you could WIN a "Student Money Saver" account with an opening balance of $15 to kick start your savings. Email your joke to: competitions@pakmag.com.au

MAR

blue = adults

yourGUIDE

A. Nacho cheese!

Q. What do you call a pig that knows karate?

WIN!

26

Q. What do you call cheese that isn’t yours?

guide

Crackles "JOKES"

DATE 14/3/14

VENUE School of Arts Theatre

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

Townsville Classic Films - Shane (1953)

FOR MORE INFO

COST

www.soatheatretownsville.com.au Cost

15/3/14

Shake Wiggle Giggle

Funstars (special needs) with Anne

4.00pm

0412 570 868

Cost

15/3/14

Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club

Marvellous Manners Confidence Course Prep-Year 3

9.00am

trisha.telford@iinet.net.au

Cost

15/3/14

School of Arts Theatre

Townsville Classic Films - Yojimbo (1961)

15/3/14

Crown on Palmer

Multiple Birth Awareness Week - Adults Dinner

7.30pm

membership@townsvillemultiples.com.au

Cost

15/3/14

Townsville Civic Theatre

The Long Way Home

8.00pm

4727 9797

Cost

7.30pm

Cost

15/3/14

Riverway Arts Centre

Celtic Fyre

4727 9797

Cost

15/3/14

Events Cinemas

Kids Club: Walking with the Dinosaurs

www.birch.com.au

$6

16/3/14

Events Cinemas

Kids Club: Walking with the Dinosaurs

www.birch.com.au

$6

16/3/14

Venue TBA

Multiple Birth Awareness Week - Family Day Out

membership@townsvillemultiples.com.au

16/3/14

School of Arts Theatre

Jane Rutter - French Kiss

17/3/14

Events Cinemas

Bring Your Baby: Non-Stop

17/3/14

Next to Holy Spirit Church

Majellan Playgroup

8.30am

18/3/14

Shake Wiggle Giggle

Zumba Fitness

6.00pm

wwww.shakewigglegiggle.com

Cost

18/3/14

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Playgroup

9.30am

4783 4243

$4

6.00pm

www.soatheatretownsville.com.au $40

www.events.com.au

Cost

0404 546 581

$1

19/3/14

IMPS Building Kirwan

Australian Breastfeeding Association Meetup - Bliss Morning

9.15am

0409 062 087

Free

19/3/14

Events Cinemas

Bring Your Baby: Non-Stop

12.30pm

www.birch.com.au

Cost

20/3/14

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Life Skills Courses - Heart Smarts

11.00am

centracarenq@centrecarenq.org.au

Cost Free

20/3/14

The Church of the Ascension Heatley Multicultural Playgroup

9.30am

0403 665 672

20/3/14

The Catherdral School

4.00pm

wwww.catherdral.qld.edu.au Free www.shakewigglegiggle.com Cost

Middle School Expo Year 7 and 8 for 2015

20/3/14

Shake Wiggle Giggle

Hot Hula Fitness

9.15am

21/3/14

Hyde Park Centre

Playgroup at Entropy

9.30am

playtime@townsvillemultiples.com.au

Cost

21/3/14

Woolworths Carpark Ayr

Burdekin Heart Foundation Walking Group

5.15pm

4783 4243

Free

21/3/14

Townsville Civic Theatre

The Chooky Dancers

7.30pm

4727 9797

Cost

21/3/14

Riverway Arts Centre

Harmonious - Antoniio Serrano

7.00pm

4727 9797

Cost

21/3/14

Events Cinemas

Bring Your Baby: Vampire Academy

10.30am

www.birch.com.au

Cost

22/3/14

Shake Wiggle Giggle

Funstars ( special needs) with Anne

4.00pm

0412 570 868

Cost

22/3/14

St Francis School Ayr

Burdekin School High Tea and Cent Sale

1.00pm

0409 136 415

$20

22/3/14

Burdekin Library

Tech Talks - Hacking - What's it all about

10.30am

4783 9970

Free

www.pakmag.com.au

27

green = kids

MAR

blue = adults

guide

pink = family

yourGUIDE DATE 22/3/14

VENUE The Venue Townsville

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

Abbalive - Eurovision 40th Anniversary Celebration

7.00pm 8.00pm

22/3/14

1300 Smiles Stadium

Cowboys vs. Warriors

22/3/14

Events Cinemas

Kids Club: Frozen

23/3/14

Events Cinemas

Kids Club: Frozen

23/3/14

Townsville Civic Theatre

Rhapsody in Blue

5.00pm

FOR MORE INFO www.thevenuetownsville.com.au

COST Cost

4722 7777

Cost

www.birch.com.au

$6

www.birch.com.au

$6

4727 9797

Cost

23/3/14

Riverway Arts Centre

The Pyjama Foundation Long Road Walk

6.30am

0409 059 714

Cost

24/3/14

Events Cinemas

Bring Your Baby: Vampire Academy

10.30am

www.birch.com.au

Cost

24/3/14

Next to Holy Spirit Church

Majellan Playgroup

8.30am

0404 546 581

$1

25/3/14

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Playgroup

9.30am

4783 4243

$4

26/3/14

Events Cinemas

Bring Your Baby: Vampire Academy

10.30am

www.birch.com.au

Cost

26/3/14

Good Counsel School Hall

Marvellous Manners Confidence Course Prep-Year 3

3.30pm

trisha.telford@iinet.net.au

Cost

27/3/14

The Church of the Ascension Heatley Multicultural Playgroup

9.30am

0403 665 672

Free

27/3/14

The Venue Townsville

7.00pm

4724 2800

Cost Cost

Dead letter Circus

27/3/14

TECC

NQ Expo Industry and Resources

9.00am

www.nqexpo.com.au

27/3/14

Shake Wiggle Giggle

Hot Hula Fitness

9.15am

www.shakewigglegiggle.com Cost

28/3/14

Events Cinemas

Bring Your Baby: The Monument Men

10.30am

www.events.com.au

Cost

28/3/14

Woolworths Carpark Ayr

Burdekin Heart Foundation Walking Group

5.15pm

4783 4243

Free

29/3/14

Earth Hour

Earth Hour - Lights out

8.30pm

29/3/14

Magnetic Island

Adventurethon

29/3/14

Shake Wiggle Giggle

Funstars (special needs) with Anne

29/3/14

Grand Ballroom - Jupiters Townsville Rhiannon, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac and The Australian Eurythmics Show

29/3/14

Events Cinemas

Kids Club: Free Birds

30/3/14

Events Cinemas

Kids Club: Free Birds

4.00pm 7.00pm

Free 0402 207 325

$79

0412 570 868

Cost

townsville.localtickets.net.au Cost www.birch.com.au

$6 $6

30/3/14

Townsville City Council

Toad out Day

8.30am

1300 878 001

Free

31/3/14

Next to Holy Spirit School

Magellan Playgroup (stay at home dads)

8.30am

0404 546 581

$1

This is a free listing. Submit your event info to: admin@pakmag.com.au

Regular Markets COTTERS MARKETS 8.30am-1pm every Sun at Flinders Mall STRAND NIGHT MARKETS 5-9pm 1st Fri of the month (May-Dec) at Strand Park WILLOWS MARKETS 7.30-11.30am every Sun at Willows Shopping Centre BALGAL BEACH MARKET 3.30pm-7pm 1st Sat of the month Fisherman’s Landing Café MOUNT VIEW PLAZA MARKETS 8am-2pm every Saturday

28

www.pakmag.com.au

SUNDAY MARKETS – CASTLE HILL PCYC THURINGOWA COMMUNITY MARKETS 8am-1pm 1st Sunday of each month HORSESHOE BAY MARKETS (MAGGIE ISLAND) 9.30am-1.30pm last Sun of every month at Horseshoe Bay Foreshore CHARTERS TOWERS SHOWGROUND MARKETS 7.30am-11.30am 2nd Sun every month CHARTERS TOWERS STOCK EXCHANGE MARKETS 8am-12.00 noon 1st & 3rd Sun every month on Mosman Street

INGHAM MARKETS 3rd Sun every month at Rotary Park AYR MARKETS 8.30am-12.00 noon 1st & 3rd Sun every month at Plantation Park NQ FARMERS MARKET Every Friday 4pm-9pm at North Shore Town Centre SATURDAY NIGHT MARKETS Every Saturday from 2-9pm at 87 Ingham Road, West End (opposite Showgrounds) 1st market kicks off on the 10th November

www.pakmag.com.au

29

By Shannon du Plessis

Baby Issues

Keeping the

Cord

Shannon du Plessis discovers why many families are choosing to store their baby’s umbilical cord During pregnancy, expectant parents spend

that these cells are immediately available if ever

network of trained obstetricians, midwives and

many months planning ahead for when their

needed. There are two ways to collect and store

healthcare professionals available to perform

new bundle of joy arrives. While all parents will

cord blood: public and private.

the collection. If you don’t choose to store your

consider items for the nursery, car seats and packing a hospital bag, there are some parents who are also considering what they will do with their baby’s umbilical cord.

baby’s cord blood to a government funded, nonprofit, public bank for use by anyone needing a

waste after the birth. There are currently three main organisations offering private cord blood collection and storage (Cell Care, Cryosite and StemLife).

transplant. Unfortunately they are both in South

in your baby's cord and placenta after the birth.

Queensland so women who have their babies in

The chance of a child needing therapy using

The cord blood contains a potent mixture of

NQ only have private options available to them.

his or her own stem cells is around one in 2700,

cells, including stem cells, which are the “building

These allow you to retain ownership of your

while the chance of an individual needing stem

blocks” of all cells in the body.

baby’s cord blood, but there is a fee for collection

cells (either their own or from someone else) over

and storage.

the course of their lifetime is estimated to be

haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which have the

The reasons for storing cord blood vary and can

unique ability to develop into all of the different

include having a family history of disease, having

blood cell types, as well as other types of stem

a baby of an ethnic minority or mixed race

cells. Cord blood is also a source of unique

where there may be great difficulty in finding

populations of immune cells, called regulatory

a matching donor through the public banks,

T-cells, which are important in controlling the

or as insurance for their child’s future health.

immune system and may have therapeutic

Cord blood stem cells are a perfect match for

potential in the treatment of immune disorders.

the baby that they were collected from, so the

Collecting the umbilical cord blood is not harmful to the baby or mother and ensures

30

in Queensland where parents can donate their

baby's cord blood, it will be discarded as medical

Umbilical cord blood is the blood that remains

These include specialised stem cells such as

www.pakmag.com.au

Currently there are only two public cord banks

risks of rejection are eliminated. Private cord blood collections can take place at any time

about one in 217. For most parents, storing cord blood is a luxury they cannot afford, but if money is no object, cord blood collection and storage is something you might want to consider before baby arrives.

For more information on private cord blood collection and storage in NQ contact Cell Care, Cryosite or StemLife.

and in most hospitals Australia-wide with a www.pakmag.com.au

31

Baby

NEW BOOKS

GREEN Babies

Reviews

MARCH 2014

Spider Sandwiches

LITTLE Backpacks

By Claire Freedman Bloomsbury Publishing RRP $14.99

Baby NEWS

Boys will especially love this book as it is all about the disgusting treats that Max the Monster likes to eat including beetle biscuits, slug milkshakes, moon-goo globs and lice rice. His absolute favourite is spider sandwiches.

The Wombats Go On Camp

By Roland Harvey Allen & Unwin

'I Immunise' Campaign

RRP $24.99

Vaccinations are back in the news as a new health campaign was recently launched in areas of the country with low vaccination rates.

This is in response to concerns about

BABIES Need Books

percentage of the population being

Australia’s decreasing immunisation

immunised against it. If the rate drops

rates. We have now fallen behind many

below the herd immunity threshold, there

developing countries in terms of the

is a greater risk of disease outbreaks with

percentage of the population vaccinated.

newborn babies most at risk.

Public health policies depend on

Australia’s immunisation rate has fallen

achieving a vaccination threshold to

behind those of many developing

maintain ‘herd immunity’. In other words,

countries and members of the medical

the community’s widespread protection

community believe that we are taking

from disease is dependent upon a certain

widespread immunity for granted.

These gorgeous little backpacks by Woddlers are the perfect size for 0-3 year olds. Made and designed in Australia, they come in 10 different designs and so far they are the only brand that is PVC free and lead safe. They are also machine washable so they’re very easy to clean. For more info go to www.thekinderplatz.com

Later this month Earth Hour will be focusing our attention on what we can do for the environment but most families find that the pitter patter of little feet leads to a big ecological footprint.

Bigger cars, more washing and hundreds of

[2] Give modern cloth nappies a go – and, if

dirty nappies heading to the nearest landfill

you can’t afford to buy a whole set

all generate a big hit to the environment,

upfront, buy a couple to use at home

and also your wallet.

Reading to your baby from a young age is enormously beneficial and sets them up for pre-reading and school later on. If your child doesn’t seem particularly interested in books yet, check out the personalised books now available to buy online. Well-known stories are reprinted using your child’s name so they become the start of the story. Hearing their name repeatedly is guaranteed to keep them interested. Try www.identitydirect.com.au or www.tinyme.com.au

[4] Avoid plastic toys – babies love to put

Follow these tips so your baby makes less

everything in their mouths so avoid

impact on the planet:

products made from PVC and BPA

[1] Only buy what you need, accept hand

[5] If you’re switching appliances, choose

me-downs and buy second hand items

[3] Switch to less toxic cleaning products –

babies are more vulnerable to toxins

energy efficient models

[6] Go solar and do your washing in the day

This is the first book in a new series by well-loved writer Roland Harvey.

Follow the Wombats as they go camping and have the time of their lives building, cooking, climbing, performing and scaring each other.

The Shape of my Heart

By Mark Sperring Bloomsbury Publishing RRP $14.99 paperback Children will love spotting all the different shapes on each page as they follow the rhyming story about all the different shapes that make up our lives, that we see every day and that we love.

townsville’s family maGazine for parents of “beans to teens” 3 reasons to use pakmag: [1] pakmag prints 10,000 copies every month [2] pakmag is the only family mag in Townsville that can distribute to every McDonalds & Coles from Ayr to Ingham [3] pakmag targets parents of ‘beans to teens’ 39,989 families consisting of: 3382 babies, 16347 one-five yr olds & 18176 five-fourteen yr olds

check out what we can do for your business Call Natalie on 0427 725 624 or email tsvsales@pakmag.com.au to see how we can help your biz in the family market - FREE opportunities exist

32

www.pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

33

Fun for Tots

By Elaine Seager

Looking for something active and fun for your under-5 year old to do?

Check out the huge choice of classes and activities available around Townsville.

[1] Swimming

[4] Exercise & Movement

Most swim schools offer baby swim classes that progress through to learn to swim classes.

• PCYC – YAH (Young Active Healthy) classes are specifically designed for kids aged 0-5 years. Call 4781 9100 for more info.

• Paul Sadler Swimland – Free trial lesson available for Swordy Tots (4 months 3 years). Year round swimming in a temperature controlled indoor facility. For more information call 4779 4647 or go to www.paulsadlerswimland.com

Where all students can be

STARS Classes available in

SkatiNg RiNk

• FATD Jazz & Tap

NOW OPEN

• FATD Classical Ballet • Hip Hop • Flexibility • Wiggles & Giggles

Students prepared for

72 Hervey Range Road thuringowa Central

• Skating • inline Hockey • artiStic Skate • roller Derby • roller Hockey & More gENERal SkatE: thu 4-6pm, Fri 7-10pm, Sat & Sun 10-12pm & 2-4pm • $12 entry • Skate Hire $3 all agES lEaRN tO SkatE: tue 4-5pm ($7 inc skate hire), Sat 9.30-10am ($12 inc skate session afterwards until 12pm, skate hire $3)

• FATD Examinations • Eisteddfods

ENROl NOw!

Now taking enrolments for 2014 (Children 2½ years & upwards) For all enquirieS & enrolmentS contact Katrina or laura ADDRESS: 2/743 Riverway Dr, Thuringowa Central • EMAIL: reflexionsdancestudio@bigpond.com

PHONE: 4755 4422 www.sk8way.com.au

34

www.pakmag.com.au

& 0413 197 370

www.reflexionsdancestudio.com.au

• Love2Swim – Babies can start classes from 3 months of age. For info call 4723 3447 or go to www.love2swimschool.com.au • Northern Beaches Leisure Centre Water Babies classes start from 6 months of age. For more info call 4774 7593.

[2] Music Classes • Kids in Harmony – A babies program that blends music, massage, relaxation and yoga play to help promote bonding between parents and babies. For more info go to www.kidsinharmony.com.au • Kindermusik with Klara – Wiggle & Grow classes (18 months-3 years) run on Thursdays (9.30am) at Heatley Community Centre. A new class has also recently started for babies 0-18 months. Call 0419 794 166 or go to www.kindermusik.com/klara/ for more information.

[3] Art Classes • Pinnacles Gallery – Art Box art activities on the first Tuesday of every month (10am-12noon). Gold coin donation.

• Launch into Learning – Art classes for 2-5 year olds. Call 0404 472 337 or go to www.launchintolearning.com.au

• Townsville Gymnastics – Kindergym (2-3 year olds) and PrepGym (4-5 year olds) classes help develop motor skills. Go to www.gymtsv.com.au for more info.

• Ready Steady Go Kids - Multi-sport and exercise program that introduces young kids (2½-6 year olds) to 10 different sports.

Classes run in Aitkenvale and Cranbrook.

Cost: $16.75. Free trial class available. For more information call 1300 766 892 or go to www.readysteadygokids.com.au

[5] Dance • Reflexions Dance Studio – classes start from 2½ years. Call 0413 197 370 to find out more.

• Croft School of Dance – Tiny Tots classes available for 3 year olds. For more information call 4779 8481 or go to www.croftgilchristdance.com.au • TAPA – Mummy & Me music and movement classes and Tiny Tots Song & Dance classes.

Call 4723 2101 or go to www.tapa.net.au

[6] La Luna Youth Arts La Luna run a number of classes for kids under the age of five at Riverway Arts Centre. Call 4773 6377 or go to www.lalunanq.com for more information.

• Curly Whirly – Kids aged 3-5 years explore drama through creative play. Cost: $90 per term. Dates: Thursdays and Saturdays.

• Rumble Tumble – An introduction to the basics of physical circus for 3-5 year olds.

Dates: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

• Wriggles & Giggles – Play in a circus environment for toddlers aged 18 months to 2 years.

• Messy Play – Kids aged 3-5 years can explore colours, shapes and textures in a range of mediums. Dates: Tuesdays and Saturdays.

[7] Martial Arts • South Pacific Taekwondo – classes start from three years of age. For more information call 4724 1000 or go to www.southpacifictkd.com.au • Academy of Choi Kwang Do – Tiny Tigers classes available for 3-5 year olds. Call 4721 0596 go to www.academyckd.com.au • Advance Annandale Taekwondo – kids can start from 3 years. Cost: $8 per class.

Call 0408 880 201 for more information.

[8] Tennis Kalynda Chase Regional Tennis Centre start their coaching programs for future Lleyton Hewitt’s from the age of three.

Call 4755 4722 for more information.

[9] Libraries Baby Rhyme, Story Time and Messy Play sessions run during the week for kids under the age of 5. For more info call 1300 878 001.

[10] Sk8way The Tots on Skates playgroup session runs on Thursday mornings (9-10am) for skaters under the age of 6. Cost: $7 (inc. skate hire). www.pakmag.com.au

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Travel edition March 2014

Thailand

Travel

ideas

By Jodie Payne (Travel Managers) Most families who want to visit Thailand are attracted by cheap accommodation, cheap food and great beaches but Thailand also offers some pretty amazing family experiences for those who want to get a little adventurous and experience another culture.

[1] Chiang Mai About an hours flight north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is the ideal base to explore jungles, hill tribes and ancient temples, visit an elephant camp, go white water rafting or find some bargains at the Chiang Mai night bazaar.

[2] Phuket As a relaxing beach destination Phuket has lots of great family friendly hotels. They range from three star budget properties all the way through to upmarket five star resorts with private pools. There are three main areas: • Patong: Shopping, nightlife and restaurants ensure you’ll never a dull moment. There are some great hotels like Phuket Graceland, which has fantastic kid’s facilities including a bowling alley, huge expanse of lawn to play on and four swimming pools. It’s not far from the beach and is a good option for those on a budget looking for big rooms.

if it needs painting, we have the paint. automotive, house, industrial, marine, texture Coatings, timber Finishes, trade Paint & sign suPPlies markets See us, the paint experts, before you buy paint anywhere else. (note: Men – please bring your wifes permission slip to purchase paint without her being present.)

• Karon and Kata Beach: A more laidback alternative within easy reach of the action but there are still plenty of shops, restaurants and family friendly accommodation options.

Centara Karon Resort and Centara Grand Beach Resort are great if you’re looking for ocean front luxury or a villa. The Movenpick Resort is another great spot.

• Kamala Beach: About 15 minutes north of Patong, this is a lovely spot and much quieter. Sunwing Resort and Spa has been purpose built for the family market. Almost all the rooms fit four people, and the family rooms can accommodate up to six. If you’re travelling with a baby, the Happy Baby Studio comes already equipped with everything you could possibly need: high chair, stroller, bumbo seat, baby bathtub, children’s cutlery and a fully enclosed lockable terrace. All are located on the ground floor.

oPening hours monday to Friday 7am-5pm • saturday 8am-1pm

Wholesale Paint toWnsville

72 Pilkington St • Phone 4725 3082 • Visit www.twp.com.au

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Visit: www.my.travelmanager.com.au/JodiePayne www.pakmag.com.au

37

Home edition

Going Green

MAR 2014

TIP For more info about sustainable living go to www.livinggreener.gov.au.

You can estimate your ecological footprint at www.myfootprint.org

Design Tips

Solar

Recycled Timber

Create airflow [1] Energy Sense

GreenLiving Story thanks to Elaine Seager

Reducing your carbon footprint can have a positive impact on your wallet as well as the planet. And while some strategies for sustainable living require some investment, there are many things you can do that cost little or nothing.

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Even though energy bills are going through the roof, Australians are using more and more energy due to the fact that we’re building bigger homes and filling them up with more appliances.

• Change your households energy habits: Teach the kids to switch lights and fans off in rooms not being used - Take shorter showers

Ideas for reducing your energy bills:

- Switch appliances off at the power point (inc. phone chargers)

• Invest in LED light bulbs – The initial outlay may be more but LED light bulbs will last for 25 years

- Wash clothes in cold water and don’t use the clothes dryer

• Go solar – the rates for feeding solar electricity back to the grid have been slashed but it can still seriously reduce your bill. Even replacing your hot water system to solar can reduce your hot water bill by over 60% • Replace old appliances – old antiquated outside fridges and plasma TV’s burn a hole in your pocket. Switch to more energy efficient models.

Shady Micro-Climate

For more ideas on ways to save on your energy bill go to www.ergon.com.au [2] Hot Tips for Cooler Homes The cost of relying on air-conditioning to cool your home can be substantial across the summer months but there are a number of less costly ways of preventing your house turning into an oven: • Top priority - Keep direct sunlight off

glass windows and doors (this is why older homes had wrap-around verandahs or wide roof overhangs) • Airflow – Maximising airflow through your home can prevent you needing to use air-con. Plan new homes so they’re in the best position to capture breezes.

Place living spaces in the cooler parts of the house. Use floor to ceiling windows to prevent hot air pockets developing • Shady Micro-Climate – Trees, shrubs, awnings, screens and pergolas can be used to create shade around your home.

• Roof ventilation - Prevent your roof space turning into a sauna by installing a cyclone rated ventilation system.

Reflective foil insulation in the roof is also effective in the tropics.

• Concrete – Keep to a minimum around your home and keep the sun off it

• Colours - Use light coloured paints on both external and internal walls.

Reflective roof paints are also now available.

Wrap Around Verandah

[3] Greener Renovating • Windows – Up to 40% of your cool air conditioned air can leak from windows so look for energy efficient versions • Paints – Use low-emission paints to reduce toxic fumes. Some paints are now available that contain all-natural ingredients.

• Timber – Source from certified sustainably managed forests but research the many other eco-friendly options available • Use recycled materials – Building materials account for a substantial amount of waste in landfills www.pakmag.com.au

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Pets

By Elaine Seager

fav

Fav pet shot of the month wins a mystery prize to the value of $30!

Prize winner

March Entries

Hoppy the Frog

Perry in his plastic collar

Leo all rugged up

Tyson the WILD Child!

Doublethe

Email your photo, name/s & address to: photos@pakmag.com.au • Deadline for photos is 18 March for the April 2014 edition of PakMag.

Luck

If you hate making birthday cakes, then spare a thought for local mum Naomi Sullivan. She has the unenviable task of making three separate birthday cakes each year all within a 12-hour period!

After having their first son Lachlan, Naomi and

was able to meet other families with multiples

As the President of the T&DMBA, Naomi now

Ashley Sullivan struggled to conceive a second

and get some valuable advice. “It made me

helps other families in the area with multiples.

time and decided to turn to IVF, but the gruelling

more relaxed and gave me a sense of not being

The association offers many services including

process took its toll and they decided to give up

completely out of my depth.”

information sessions, hospital visits, grief and loss

trying altogether. Approaching their final round of IVF, they asked the doctors for two embryos to be implanted, just for luck!

www.pakmag.com.au

close to Lachlan’s birthday, Naomi was faced with many logistical challenges. Breastfeeding the

support and breastfeeding and bottle feeding support. They also hold fortnightly playgroups (Fridays, 9.30am-11am) where parents can get together and meet other families in the same

Given the struggles they’d had previously Naomi

twins at the same time cut down on feed times

and Ashley thought the odds of them having

but it meant not being able to do anything else,

twins were pretty low. “After all we’d gone

including changing the TV channel or having

There is growing evidence that getting involved

through we laughed and joked about creating

a drink! And, as Naomi assures us, “There is no

in support groups can have real benefits for the

an ‘instant’ family but never seriously thought it

humanly way possible to carry two babies, push

mental health and coping skills of parents. This

would happen. Then, when the obstetrician saw

a pram and hold the hand of a three year old all

is double the case if you’re expecting or have

two heartbeats, we were both overawed and

at the same time!”

multiples and the T&DMBA can be a great place

Ashley asked to check the monitor!”

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When the babies finally arrived (Will and Olivia)

The things that made life easier for the family

boat.

to find services, practical tips, resources and social events with like-minded people.

The reality of twins arriving in a few months time

were having a routine, accepting help that was

without family support nearby soon began to hit

offered and ordering groceries online (“wham

home. “The months leading up to the births were

bam, thank you Woolies man!”). Even though

both exciting and scary. Some days the thought

leaving the house with three small children was

For more information about the T&DMBA go

of having twins was quite overwhelming.” To

a daunting prospect, Naomi discovered that

to www.townsvillemultiples.com.au

gain some support Naomi joined the Townsville

getting out of the house regularly for a change of

& District Multiple Birth Association where she

scenery helped keep her sane. www.pakmag.com.au

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Travel edition

Weekender

NEWS

March 2014

Dunk Island View Caravan Park has a new Café and newly renovated cabins. Book now for your next family school holiday escape.

The Park

Beach The View

Photo thanks to Ron Darlington

Island Views Story thanks to Angelina Mortley

concerned, the choices range from renovated

The Park sits within its own haven of landscaped

one and two bedroom units to powered and

gardens with an attractive pool looking out to

non-powered caravan and tent sites, all set out

the ocean. The pool has a shallow wading area for

amongst newly landscaped gardens.

younger children and there are wonderful lounge

We stayed in a two-bedroom unit and the first thing we noticed was the space! In fact, that

If you’ve been dreaming of an island holiday it may be closer and more affordable than you think. Dunk Island View Caravan Park at Mission Beach is perfectly packaged for a family getaway with all the benefits of an island escape.

is how I would describe every aspect of the

accommodated six people. This type of unit is especially perfect for families with small children or a dog because it has a semi-enclosed grassed area and covered veranda making it very much

along what seems to be an endless stretch of stunning coastline from South Mission Beach all the way up to North Mission Beach where some great rock-hopping awaits. Or you can just sit back trees, swim in the safe netted swim area, collect shells and, well, just be kids.

If that is not enough to satisfy you, there are lots of fun activities you can do nearby if you decide

Whether for a weekend or week-long escape, Dunk Island

very welcome and metal dog bowls are provided

to get out and about. You can take a trip over to

View Caravan Park’s perfectly positioned location offers

on the veranda of every unit.

Dunk Island or explore local walking tracks like the

fantastic family getaway.

Unlike traditional caravan parks, the sites at the Park allow you to really spread out, and those towards the front of the Park also provide ocean

By the end of our trip we felt as though we had been on an island escape but it was so much easier to get to and far more economical.

Dunk Island View Caravan Park is located at 21-35 Webb Road, Wongaling Beach, Mission Beach. For bookings or more info call 4068 8248 or go to www.dunkislandviewcaravanpark.com

and enjoy the magical views while the kids climb

being dog friendly so your furry friends are also

and lots of great climbing trees for the kids, making for a

www.pakmag.com.au

with self-contained kitchen would have easily

the 50 metres across to the beach, you can walk

your own private retreat. The Park prides itself on

sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, stunning sunsets

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Park – spacious! Our fully air conditioned unit

recliners for mums and dads. If you decide to stroll

of restaurants within walking distance of the Park.

one to Lacey Creek, which is great for kids with a 45-minute walk plus a swimming hole. Or for those who like to get a little sporty there are water sports, bicycle hire, kayaking, paddle boarding,

The Park’s new management have given it a fresh new

views. The fully equipped camp kitchen is set out

look with some great improvements including an

more like a restaurant and as well as the fridge,

impressive café that’s able to cater for all your meal needs,

stove, oven and microwave, there are two large,

Nearby there is a local shopping centre with a

as well as providing some grocery items, great coffee

gas barbeques for guests to use as well as a large

Woolworths just a five-minute drive away and if

and home baked cakes. As far as the accommodation is

laundry.

you don’t feel like cooking, there is a good choice

Win a 2 Night Stay!

For your chance to win a two night stay in a spacious two-bedroom unit at the newly refurbished Dunk Island View Caravan Park in Mission Beach, simply go to our website and tell us which big bird you might expect to see in Mission Beach?

boat or beach fishing and the list goes on!

www.pakmag.com.au

43

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Colour In & Win

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starts with you

There’s a new parenting book being launched this year by a North Qld mum who is a true expert in the field. She’s a mother of nine.

www.bodybrainbalance.com.au Call 4034 3331 for more information

By Michelle Dryburgh

‘Keep It Simple: Strategies for effective parenting’, or KISS, takes a unique look at parenthood, guiding mums and dads on a journey of selfdiscovery. The book draws on the author’s own experience as a mother of nine children, aged from eight to 28, and explores the importance of developing a strong sense of self in order to parent to the best of one’s ability.

“It’s about the parent identifying where they stand as an individual, as a partner, in a family and as part of a community, providing a strong foundation for oneself first,” says author Tessa Wright. “It’s not written in an authoritative voice, just one of experience, but it does introduce some facts. It takes a look at the idea of parenting our children with a body, mind and spirit approach instead of our traditional roles that mainly focus on the physical.”

This is Tessa’s second book. Her first, ‘Walking In A New Light’ reflects on her experience with mental illness, domestic violence and her ongoing journey of recovery. Written in journal style, “It’s a text that questions who we are and what our role

in life is,” she says. “It was very healing to write that first book, so I guess it’s a gift to myself, but I believe it can help other women too.”

Tessa had her first child at 18, and was a mother of three by age 21. She says she began writing in those difficult years as an outlet for her emotions, and recommends writing as a form of therapy for all women who have experienced adversity. “It helped me make sense of this intense new world where I was trying to grow up alongside my kids,” she said.

Adversity struck Tessa and her family yet again when one of her daughters was diagnosed with cancer just weeks before her 21st birthday. Tessa says she will be forever grateful that three of her children were matched for bone marrow transplants. “We spent that Christmas in the oncology ward, but we were together, and she is now in remission.”

Today Tessa has four children in her care. The eldest five have left home, but are still in touch every day. Tessa wakes at 4.30am every morning

to have enough time for writing and study before the school morning rush. She is also completing a psychology degree and hopes to enter a research field to one day to write professionally on academic subjects.

For now though Tessa’s immediate goal is to keep putting food on the table for her young children.

She recently lost her job and before that, her home. Finding rental accommodation has been difficult, but she finds reasons to stay positive.

“There is always something to be grateful for,” she said. “Some days I just want to give up, and then my youngest runs out of school with a huge smile on her face and I think ‘wow, how lucky am I? “I feel very, very, privileged to be the mother of my nine children. And I want other parents to know that we all make mistakes, it’s what you learn from them that makes the difference.”

Walking In a New Light is available on Amazon. com. Keep It Simple Strategies for Effective Parenting is due for release early this year. www.pakmag.com.au

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out&about

submit your photos

email to: photos@pakmag.com.au

Out & About at Stockland’s Mummy

Athena at Kokoda Pool

Funday Archie at Stockland’s Mummy Fun

Angus at Kokoda Pool

Luca at Kokoda Pool

Charlie at Kokoda Pool

Kyie at Kokoda Pool

day

Tahlia at Kokoda Pool

Out & About photos thanks to Cheeky Monkey photography > www.cheekymonkeyphotos.com.au

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Out & About at Mummy Funday

Out & About at Mummy Funday

Out & About at Mummy Funday

Out & About at Mummy Funday

Out & About photos thanks to Cheeky Monkey photography > www.cheekymonkeyphotos.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

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By Tianna Graham

Laughs mummy

Finally she walks! Dane and I have been watching Eva with a keen eye over the last few months trying to catch that special moment when she takes her first steps. And finally it happened…while I wasn’t watching!

It was Dane’s birthday and his mum, Jan, was

Dane informed me that while I was folding they

between us. Each time she stood up and took a

up from Airlie Beach for the week to celebrate.

had been egging Eva on to walk, and she did

few wobbly steps while laughing. It was possibly

We had a busy few days cleaning up the house

it! She took about three steps between Dane

the cutest thing I have ever seen. She eventually

while Jan sat and played with Eva. On this

and Jan as they sat on the floor with her. I was

figured out that she could get more distance if

particular day I was at the other end of the house

shattered. I couldn’t believe after all the time I

she leant into it and ran so with that technique

folding clothes while Dane and Jan played with

had spent with her she had to pick that moment

she quickly managed to get most of the way

Eva in the lounge room. All of a sudden I hear

to walk! I fought back my disappointment and

across the lounge room.

this blistering “aaaahhhh” coming down the

said to Dane “Do you think she would do it

hall. It sounded half like a celebration and half

again?”

like someone had just fallen over and broken something. Not knowing what was happening I ran down the hall shouting, “What happened, what happened?” I was met with two beaming smiles and one cheeky little girl wrapped up in a warm Granny cuddle.

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So I have learnt this month that the saying “you have to walk before you can run” doesn’t apply

Fully expecting her not to show me her new

in Eva’s case…she is actually much better at

talent I sat down on the floor as Dane prepared

running!

her to take that one small step. But she did it and I was so proud! We sat there for about an hour propping her up and getting her to walk in

Tianna Graham x www.pakmag.com.au

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